I Think, Therefore I Am

It’s 4 am when Myk stumbles back into his house after a night out. He was determined to go out and enjoy a gig without writing about it afterwards. Now he’s sitting down to write one. Reasoning being, he just saw Descartes play…

When I go to a gig, I pretty much expect it to be in a place I know, like the Doghouse or the Westport or the Reading Rooms. What I don’t expect is to see three bands crammed into a small pub which has no reputation for live music whatsoever. I have never been to a gig at the Globe Bar and I am doubtful I will again but that night, Sunday 20th August, I’m glad I did. I’ll throw in the negative now so that I can deal with the positive with a higher profile.

The set up was awful. Giving it credit would be slanderous from the out start, I’m sure; the Globe is not a good place for a gig. The acoustics are wrong, the layout of the floor is cramped beyond that ‘intimate’ setting for a small show and the vocals for all three bands were audible, but only to the point of muffled noise. Unfortunately, the words and lyrics were all lost in a sea of guitars and drums, which sucks as lyrics are the foundation for a song. Without them, a song is only half what it can be, unless said song is stupendously intricate enough to become a great instrumental piece. Pointing out that this set up wasn’t the bands fault but the venues would be preliminary and superfluous, so I won’t do it. At all.

Another 3-band-set kicking off with ‘Dave?’, a four piece with a ridiculously young drummer (young maybe, but good) who produced some rocking numbers, a little too Libertines-esque for my tastes but talented nonetheless. With a number of gigs already under their belt and a few nicely original songs written, I look forward to hearing more about them, though I’m not sure what to make of the rhetorical band name. Catchy though. Second up on the list were ‘The Inside Story’, a three piece with a number of inventive songs. Again, pretty punky, a band that clearly enjoys themselves when playing and, nearer the end of the set, they produced some seriously awesome tunes which I found myself drumming the table along to. I liked these two bands a lot and I endeavour to see them both again soon. However, it was Descartes I came to see, after being invited along for the third time.

I would like to take this opportunity to apologise to the four guys who have been hollering at me for weeks to get me along to one of their gigs. And why, oh why, did I not go? I refuse to miss another performance, if this was less than good for them, which I’m told it was. My meaning being the set up, again ruining an otherwise top-quality performance. It saddens me to see a really good band blame themselves for a bad performance when they had no control over certain aspects of it at all. That being said, I know they’ll probably hate me for this, but I’m going to say it anyway; why the hell is this band not signed?

Playing favourites such as ‘Fever Never Felt This Good’, Descartes had the entire crowd up or at least watching what they could see over those damned tall indie boys (!) and singing along to most tracks. A band that can do that to a crowd is going somewhere and fast. I hope they remember me when they release their 6th platinum album.

I have to say though, I’m pretty sure the pink Telecaster© did it for me…

M_x <3

Clowns To The Left Of Me, Jokers To The Right...

It’s occurred to me before that local gigs might be difficult to write about; most people reading this have probably never heard of the bands mentioned. For some reason, I thought for a moment that this made the reviews pointless before realising that it made them even more important. Now, after reading this review, I invite you to find yourself at gigs with any or all of these bands and decide for yourself your opinions. I am merely a candle by which to light the way. Apparently.

Local bands are fun. There’s always a debate raging of whether or not you can criticise them for their performances. Generally, unsigned bands hate being criticised and scrutinised but, in my opinion, if a band of any calibre can’t take it, then they should really reconsider their future in music industry. That said, most of them are just there for a laugh, to have fun and make a few bucks here and there which is fair enough. But there’s a difference between having a good time and letting yourself slip.

Our story begins at the Westport Bar, 8pm on Thursday the 17th of August, 2006. After receiving multiple emails from some of the bands involved, I decided that this night would be a great opportunity to get dug in to some new bands, all of which I was unfamiliar with. Opening the set were the Velocettes, playing to a smaller audience than most had anticipated; alas, the curse of first band up. Now, I’ve heard things about this band, I’ve heard their recordings on MySpace and, through word of mouth, I became somewhat excited about seeing them. Unfortunately, I was less than rewarded for my anticipation, finding instead a rather sub-par performance. The sound system (admittedly, not the bands fault) was a little too loud, to the point where all sounds melded together and became grey. The songs are brilliantly written and where as they aren’t something completely new, the Velocettes certainly have talent, even if it was wasted tonight. And as far as the showmanship is concerned, to be perfectly honest, the whole performance seemed much more like a practice session rather than a live show. And vocal harmonies need a think, guys.

Next up, the Grace Emily’s who came across immediately as much more refined. Their sound was clear, clean and invigorating, their music much more polished and professional. They knew they were playing to an audience who had paid to see them and they lived up to expectations too. After hearing a few of their songs numerous times on their MySpace page (god-bless MySpace), I was glad to hear their live performance was as good as, if not better than the online recordings. Playing the crowd is always important to local bands and the Grace Emily’s gave us something to watch, though, due to the size of the guy in front of me, I pretty much failed to see them at all. The music was more important. All in all for the ‘Emily’s I would offer only once piece of advice; spread your wings a little. About half way through the set, I found myself losing attention as the songs began to melt together, each one becoming the next, just a little differently. ‘Samey’ is what I would say, but nevertheless, if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it. Just fine tune it.

The Harlequin Abattoir’s were the main attraction, performing just as spectacularly as usual. They were also the band who invited me along and for that, I send my grateful thanks. Luckily for them, I had nothing to really pick up on and so have nothing really to bitch about. The sound was clean and clear, the songs were strong and fresh and the one band member in particular actually promoted the band anonymously in the bathroom, which made me laugh. Again with the MySpace, the Harlequin’s produced top-quality renditions of their recorded songs along with some others; I may be wrong, but I think I could pick out some new material? I’m not too sure, but whether it was new or not, it was good. The songs were different enough to hold your attention and yet they all held a crystalline quality that held them all together. Ending the story, late, late on, the Harlequin’s are a band to watch.

To hear the songs for yourself, don’t forget to visit the forum and check the ‘Links’ section.

M_x <3

Turning It Up To Eleven

There aren't many times I'm inspired to come home immediately from a gig and turn on my pc with writing a review firmly set in mind. Especially at midnight, when I should, really, be drinking more. It also isn't very often that I am somewhat acquainted with the band, though this time, I'm happy to say that they at least know who I am. And that's a start, at least; we've all got to start somewhere, huh?

"The Piranha Tank" is the brain-child of Pet Piranha Records, a label inspired by likes of Organart.com and Chemikal Underground and aiming to be one of Scotland's most exciting and hard working record labels / zines with a nose for discovering and helping new bands and artists. Originally set up to release records by Dundee rock band Mercury Tilt Switch, the label has expanded to help otherwise ignored Scottish bands release records, gain exposure and tour, including Dundee band, Alamos. Now, "The Piranha Tank" is once a month started tonight, Thursday 3rd August at Satchmo's Basement in Dundee. The idea is we take over the basement (which has a bar) and we play whatever we want from Tool to Mogwai, Mclusky to Refused. There will also be an unadvertised band playing, ever month and it's from 9pm to midnight. People can then go to 'Felt' at The Reading Rooms if they wish. Alamos were tonight’s unadvertised band, though the air this week was rife with the rumour of them playing and the crowd was drawn like moths to the candle light.

Alamos, on form, are peerless. There's no doubting that, it's just plain fact. And on most performances, they are beyond expectations. Like Muse, the Brothers Keiller and Fritz, back on bass after his departure some many moons ago, Alamos just keep getting better with each passing show. And this is saying something, as due to my unacceptable lack of going out as a result of 'cut funding', my appearances at gigs are few and far between. All to change, I might add. Bringing out some true Mclusky-come-Shellac vocals and riffs, the threesome turned it all the way up to eleven, causing vibrations that probably created some severe internal haemorrhaging.

Playing favourites such as Kill-Baby-Kill, Small Ships and Polemics, all from the debut self-titled album, I found myself somewhat inspired to jump up on stage and join in with the brilliance of the band that I've been a fan of since their beginnings, back in the day and under a different name. Though, to be fair, comparing the modern Alamos to their past selves, Yardstick, just isn't worth it; there is no competition. The immaturity in the writing and style is gone, replaced with a seemingly inexhaustible supply of strength and insightful writing, the bass lines in particular sending some shivers up your spines as you're reminded that you're watching a local band play in a basement instead of the enormously popular group playing an equally enormous gig, like they should be.

One thing I've always thought Alamos lacked though, was a touch of humour. I've always felt that the boys were a tad too serious during play and outside of the gig-time too, but now, with the much anticipated return of Fritz, the fun's back. Supplying the crowd, such as it was, with witty remarks and running commentary, the bass-thundering-machine that he is still knows how to separate the concentration that comes with great playing with the banter in-between songs and sets. A welcome return to a winning combination, in my opinion.

This 'party' happens but once a month, but get yourselves down to Satchmos Basement next month (keep your eye on the forum for the date) and see it all for yourself. Again, as ever, the band for September's party will be un-advertised, so it'll be a 'Surprise! ... Lame!"

Don't forget to visit the links page and check these bands out for yourselves!

M_x <3